Arava, MTX Questions..Need Info. | Arthritis Information

I don't believe MTX (Inj.) has been entirely useless, but my Doctor decided he wasn't satisfied with what how it was doing in this instance. So, next week, He's adding Arava. It's new to me so I need to be briefed on it. I am reading up on it, I don't have any idea which side effects are most typical. I don't know how it interacts with MTX and prednisone. If there are any Special considerations that need to be thought of about anything Having to do with this drug interacting with over the counter med's, foods, or topical things we use every day. I know Nothing about it. I would appreciate any education you can provide, and I would also like to ask all of you that have taken it about your experience with it. What am I looking at here? Any help past the drug sheet would be greatly appreciated!

Also, If any of you have had to quit taking MTX for a short period of time, did it make you ill?

I was Told not to take it one week before and one week after the surgery on my hand. (That went very well.)

I only have one week to go. I am thinking I should call The Doc. regardless. I just wanted to ask that also.... Thanks for reading this please let me know anything you can.

Thanks!!

I had to be off of mtx for about a month...I had no problems.

I have no advice on Arava...just wanted to say good luck with it.

Kelly

Thanks, I'll call the doc. definitely then! Waiting for them to open now.

...and thanks!

As soon as the shoulder surgery is done, I'll be asking what else can be tried. You're smart to ask questions though. Doctors are not always forthcoming.

Yup,Deanna, They can be a little quiet, thats for sure! Hope your getting along well.

Anyone Know Arava?...

Jen10139141.3155208333

I don't have any experience with mtx shots. However, I have been on arava for almost 2 months. I am having terible flare ups with lots of pain, swelling and fatigue. I also take enbrel and mobic.

So far I have not had an releive will on the arava. It is suppose to take 4-6 weeks to work since it has a long half life. I have actually gotten worse since I saw the Dr. in early January and am going to ask for something else when I see him next Monday.

Saying all that, I also didn't get any releive when I was on mtx pills years ago. The only major side effect that I have suffered was stomach upset and gas which is fairly common.

I started Arava a few weeks ago with no side efects whatsoever. MTX knocked me out for 48 hours out of every week.Arava's biggest side effect is the efect on the liver. Especially when taken with MTX you need to be sure and get your blood work done regularly. Arava can cause gastro intenstinal problems so watch for that when you first start taking it. If it does happen generally the effect goes away after a couple of weeks so don't give up too early. drink lots of water while on the medI didn't do the loading dose with Arava, but at 20mgs daily had really bad tummy probs (both ends) - rheumy changed me to 10mg and all was well tummy wise - be sure you get the blood work done with this med - my LFT went sky rocketing between the Arava and MTX - now I can't take either. I had no probs going off the MTX but had to take a med to flush the Arava out of my system. Hugs and good vibes. Hi Jen-- I was on Arava two times. The first time after one month my liver enzymes went too high--I think the MTX dose I was on was too much with it. I also developed a sort of neuropathy from my buttocks down the back of my right leg---tingling and some numbness/pain. About a year later that Rheum talked me into trying it again. This time i had stomach pain and daily diarrhea. Just goes to show these meds. effect not only everyone differently; but even the same person differently at different times. Kinda strange. Lou

Thank You for your responses! They are quite appreciated!!

I'm apprehensive about this.

Peace be with you all.

Sorry this got so long, got to thinking with my fingers...